a few random questions/1990 FSB

[linuus41]

(1) I've got a crack in the exhaust manifold -- coming right out of the engine, right behind the passenger side front wheel. Is this a replacement job that can be done by an amateur at home, or should this go to a garage? Does anyone have any documentation as to how a manifold replacement is done?

(2) The horn only works when it wants to, and only when I'm pressing the exact right spot on the steering wheel. And then sometimes it sounds like a car horn, sometimes it sounds like a dying elephant. Is this a problem at the steering wheel, at the horn itself, or somewhere in between? (Also, when I press on the wheel to sound the horn, I hear a corresponding click in the area of the glove compartment -- what's going on there?)

(3) My breather filter gets saturated in about a month, and I have to replace that and the air filter, like, 4 or 5 times a year. I'm thinking that's way too often to have to replace those filters. Is that about right? If not, what will reduce the amount of oil to the breather filter, or is there some sort of bypass I could rig up?

Thanks y'all!! >-

 

[Seabronc]

(1) I've got a crack in the exhaust manifold -- coming right out of the engine, right behind the passenger side front wheel. Is this a replacement job that can be done by an amateur at home, or should this go to a garage? Does anyone have any documentation as to how a manifold replacement is done?
(2) The horn only works when it wants to, and only when I'm pressing the exact right spot on the steering wheel. And then sometimes it sounds like a car horn, sometimes it sounds like a dying elephant. Is this a problem at the steering wheel, at the horn itself, or somewhere in between? (Also, when I press on the wheel to sound the horn, I hear a corresponding click in the area of the glove compartment -- what's going on there?)

(3) My breather filter gets saturated in about a month, and I have to replace that and the air filter, like, 4 or 5 times a year. I'm thinking that's way too often to have to replace those filters. Is that about right? If not, what will reduce the amount of oil to the breather filter, or is there some sort of bypass I could rig up?

Thanks y'all!! >-

Click on your user name, at the top of the page find "My Controls" and click on it. Then go to Edit Signature and click on it. Add your truck vital information in your signature. It helps in getting more accurate answers. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Question 1, A qualified Yes, You will need a new manifold and gasket and a Torque wrench to tignten the bolts to the correct ft. lb. setting. It is easier on carbed engine than an EFI engine.

Question 2, It is most likely a problem with the ground contact brush in the steering wheel, could be worn out.

Question 3, That is a problem and may be as simple as a clogged PCV or the hose from it to the intake manifold, clogged oil return port under the valve cover, or blow by pressurizing the oil pan. If your system is not circulating properly it will **** the oil fumes from the side that is supposed to be supplying fresh air to the oil pan area. Proper flow is from the filter to the driver side valve cover area, down the oil return port to the oil pan, up through the oil return ports on the passenger side, through the PCV and then into the intake manifold.

Good luck,

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[Yardape]

Seabronc convered it pretty well, to add to his post, the clicking you hear is the horn relay, its inside the passenger side kick panel. Also the manifold swap. It is a basic fix providing it all goes as plan. The exhaust bolts are prone to rusting, they are famous for breaking off. If you break off an exhaust manifold bolt in the head you are in for some real headaches.

 

[linuus41]

Thanks guys! Stocking up on PB Blaster for getting those bolts out....

 

[linuus41]

Just a followup question -- things are tight right now and I have to get the money together to do the exhaust manifold. While I'm driving around like this, the truck seems to be struggling with the hills a little more than it did before. Can a cracked exhaust manifold affect the performance? Is this something I need to get to ASAP?

Thanks!

 

[Seabronc]

Just a followup question -- things are tight right now and I have to get the money together to do the exhaust manifold. While I'm driving around like this, the truck seems to be struggling with the hills a little more than it did before. Can a cracked exhaust manifold affect the performance? Is this something I need to get to ASAP?
Thanks!

I doubt that it will make any difference. If money is tight you could put a temporary fix on it. They sell epoxy patch that can be packed around the crack.

Good luck,

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